A Photoshoot with Hannah Do in a Melbourne Hideaway

The Corridor That Keeps Calling Me Back

Some places just speak to you. You visit them once and they stay with you. For me, this quiet architectural corridor in Melbourne is one of those places. It is where light and geometry meet. I keep coming back to it and have probably shot here more than anywhere else in the world. And yet, every time, it feels fresh and full of possibility. The tall metal walls, the soft bounce of light, and the shadows that stretch and shift throughout the day make it feel like a creative partner that collaborates with you in silence.

Teaming Up with Hannah Do

This time, I teamed up with the one and only Hannah Do. Hannah has a gift for reading a space. She feels its energy and brings it to life with movement and intention. She listens to the space and responds to it. She leans into the lines, plays with depth, and brings grace to every frame. There’s a quiet elegance in the way she poses. We weren’t setting out with a script or agenda. We simply let the story emerge, one pose at a time, honest and unforced.

Keeping It Simple: Subject, Style, and Space

I always say that a good photo depends on three essential elements: the model, the outfit, and the location. But trying to highlight all three at once can create visual noise. So I like to focus on two and let the third support the image subtly. In this shoot, we focused on Hannah and the environment. The styling was intentionally simple so it would not fight for attention or shift the mood.

Hannah Do | Melbourne | Kisau Photography by Paul Tocatlian

Hannah wore all black, along with a necklace from Butones Jewelry. It was a minimalist look that let her shape, emotion, and movement come through clearly. Against the cool metallic surfaces of the corridor, she stood out. The contrast between her matte textures and the sleek lines of the location added visual tension and depth.

The Architecture That Shapes Emotion

Let’s talk about the corridor itself. It’s lined with tall vertical slats that frame the space in a way that feels both architectural and sculptural. The light from above filters in gently, slicing through the slats to create bands of shadow and light. The symmetry is striking. It invites reflection. It demands presence. And at the same time, it welcomes movement. It’s a dream location for anyone who appreciates clean lines and thoughtful composition.

Playing With Distance and Perspective

We also played with distance. In the wide shots, Hannah appeared like a lone figure inside a city-sized sculpture. The space wrapped around her, adding a sense of scale and introspection. In the tighter frames, she became the focal point. Her posture, her gaze, and her energy came to the front. This contrast between wide and close created a visual rhythm that carried the story from start to finish.

A Corridor That Continues to Inspire

While this particular photoshoot with Hannah isn’t featured in The Melbourne Portraits Project: A Photographic Ode, many other sessions from this same corridor are included throughout the book. This location has been a well of inspiration for me. Its structure, light, and quiet rhythm continue to pull me back, shoot after shoot. It’s a space I’ve come to know deeply and cherish fully.

Let’s Collaborate

If you are a brand, model, designer, or creative looking to collaborate, I would love to connect with you. Let’s explore ideas together. Let’s create something that feels authentic, bold, and beautifully you. Whether it’s an editorial shoot, a fashion campaign, or runway coverage, I’m here to help bring your story to life. For more information, please contact us.